Rebuilding the new face of Mendo Mayhem

The women of Mendo Mayhem Roller Derby are out on the track and back at Skate City, in Ukiah.

Though the team has had to cancel this year's season, the team is recruiting now!

In the last year Mendo's roster has slowly deteriorated. A few of the players have attributed this to a more competitive nature that the team had taken in it's more recent years and the team felt that people were being turned off because of such a big commitment it was turning into.

"A lot of people were interested in roller derby when the movie 'Whip it' came out. We started getting more competitive with it here and we're going back to the idea of having a rec league, with people just playing for fun. Not major competition," says skater ariel-LA-twister.

At this time, the team is down to a mere five skaters: ariel-LA-twister, Gnar Gnar Jinx, Starta Ruckus, Lady Boner, and Holly Whorechata. Skater Dipndodds will also be returning shortly.

The team could play with 10-11 skaters, but needs 14 to have a full roster for bouts.

As it stands now, the league is still struggling since their move from the fairgrounds.

"When we first moved to the Redwood Empire fairgrounds, we thought we were going to grow larger; and we did. Our first bout we had over 700 people in attendance. Which was huge for us! It was the most we had ever done," says skater Gnar Gnar Jinx.

Skate City seemed to be a better fit for the team and a more inclusive environment for newer skaters.

"Right now we're trying to figure out what it is we need to do to bring women and men in to come and skate with us. You don't have to want to play the contact sport, we need volunteers across the board. Referees, non-skating officials, and anybody who wants to come and volunteer their time." In response to the growing concern of an over-competitive situation, the team is taking several steps to make the sport more inclusive for anyone in the community who is curious or interested in the sport. "It's not something I think was cohesive to this area," says Gnar Gnar Jix. "What we we're trying to create is something like a 'Rec league'. We want to get people who want to come and skate and have fun and learn."

In addition to a recreational league more readily available to the public, the team has also begun a weekly skating fitness class. "Every Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m., ast Skate City. We'll be skating laps, doing push-ups, and jumping right back up, strength training, interval training, and working on balance and flexibility."

The class is intended to give participants a full workout while also developing some of the fundamentals of roller derby skating.

"We're not teaching you how to fall, we're teaching you how to stay up. But if you do fall we're teaching how to without getting hurt. And we're never going to put anyone out on the track that's not ready."

The league is also trying to get out more into the community to reintroduce people to the sport. They are currently planning meet and greets at local events and locations, as well as skating in this Sunday's 'Pride March'. Additionally, the team is attempting to begin a junior league to introduce youth to the sport.

Though Mendo Mayhem has traditionally been the women's team, men are also invited to come skate on the track with the women. For men who want to start up, it can be better to come start with Mendo to get the basic training. The men's team, the Deep Valley Belligerents, are still playing bouts and also looking for new skaters.

"It's an awesome place for men and women to have fun, meet people and become part of this family."

The community is totally welcome to come and get involved. Otherwise derby is just going to fade away in Mendocino County," says Gnar Gnar Jinx, who is also the assistant coach for the Deep Valley Belligerents.

"Mendo is starting from the bottom up. This is kind of our last shot. We want to see derby continue in Mendocino County. It's not just about women empowerment anymore, it's about people empowerment. You get out on that track and you just feel strong and capable."

If you're interested in joining or participating in the Mendo Mayhem roller derby league, contact Skate City in Ukiah.